Pitbull breeder found guilty of animal cruelty after dogs found living in filth

A Pietermaritzburg pitbull breeder has been convicted of animal cruelty following a four-year investigation that found seventeen pitbull-type dogs living in containers contaminated with faecal matter and bearing old visible scars. Amod Sheikh was convicted in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court last week, February 10, 2026, in terms of the Animals Protection Act, after the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) investigated the mistreatment and neglect of the dogs. The investigation was sparked by an anonymous complaint in 2022, raising serious concerns about the dogs being housed in conditions that did not meet acceptable welfare standards.

The NSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit, working with the Pietermaritzburg SPCA, obtained a warrant and inspected Sheikh’s property. Two of the dogs were immediately removed and placed into care due to their condition, and criminal charges were laid against Sheikh. The Pietermaritzburg SPCA later removed additional animals after Sheikh failed to improve their living conditions despite being allowed to do so.

Sheikh’s legal team challenged the NSPCA’s evidence and the validity of the search warrants. However, after numerous court appearances, Sheikh was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of R3 000 or three months’ imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of animal cruelty during that period. The NSPCA said the conviction sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and that offenders will be held accountable.